Trade union members are up in arms over proposals to cut 200 jobs at Coventry City Council.

Unison's branch committee last night voted unanimously to oppose the cuts, which would be spread over three years, and galvanise opposition to them.

The union said it would be holding talks with two other trade unions, T&G and GMB/ Apex.

They said the proposals came from the council's management board and only some staff had been fully briefed.

Any proposals would have to be ratified by the Labour group before being put before cabinet, then possibly called into scrutiny before going to the full council. It is not thought that the Labour group has discussed the job cuts yet.

David Kersey of Unison said: "These proposals are aimed across the board, at staff who provide a frontline direct service to the people of Coventry.

"We believe these proposals throw into serious question the commitment of the city council to serve the most disadvantaged people in our city.

"We believe that, if implemented, these proposals would decimate public sector welfare provision by the local authority."

Labour and Conservative councillors are drawing up separate budgets for next year and will have some tough decisions to make.